Overview

Follow in the footsteps of the traditional Gangkhar Puensum expedition route, which has been traveled by locals for centuries and mountaineers since their first expeditions in the region. The strenuous trek will reward travelers with spectacular mount scenery and natural beauty highlighted by visits to the Gangkhar Puensum basecamp and a stop at ancient natural hot springs to relieve your muscles as you glace over spectacular mount views. This spectacular trek requires an excellent level of physical fitness and should only be performed by those with previous trekking experience.

Trip Facts

Destnation:Bhutan

Activities:Trekking

Duration:14 - 21 Days

Region:Bhutan

Best Season:Spring / Summer / Autumn

Group Size:02+ Pax

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival at Paro

After arriving from your scenic mountain flight to Para, you will be greeted by a friendly representative of Good Karma Trekking who will take you directly to your hotel. After you get settled in, we will take an afternoon visit to the National Museum of Bhutan known as Ta-Dzong. The museum offers tremendous insight into the tradition and history of the Bhutanese people and government as it has changed throughout the years. We then continue to the Paro Dzong which serves as the administrate center for the district to explore the beautiful architecture of the city before having welcome drink and dinner in Paro.

Day 2Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast we will take a 3-hour morning hike to visit the holy Taktsang Monastery. The peaceful hike offers some stunning views of the city and surrounding lowland. After resting at the viewpoint we continue to the actual monastery to learn more about the religious practices of the region while observing the daily life and practices of the local monks. This “tiger nest” monastery is one of the holiest in the region and a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike. We will then hike back to Paro taking time to explore the charming city before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Day 3Paro to Thimphu

We will take a scenic morning drive to Thimphu passing along the powerful Pa-Chu and Wangchu Rivers. We will stop to visit a historical shrine dedicated to King Jigme serving as a place for locals to atone for their sins and pay respect to the gods. After taking some time to explore the scenic capital city, we will return to the hotel for the evening.

Day 4Thimphu to Trongsa

We will take an early breakfast and take a 3-hour drive to Punakha while crossing to Dochula pass offering views of the eastern Himalayan giants. Upon arrival in Punakha, we will visit the historical Punakha Dzong located at the crossing of the Po-Chu and Mo-chu Rivers. We will then continue on a 5-hour scenic ride to Trongsa stopping in Wangdue before continuing along the Pelela Pass. We will continue through traditional yak villages before reaching Trongsa to rest for the evening.

Day 5Trongsa to Jakar

After breakfast, we will travel to the winter palace known for its famous library, which serves as the special commission for cultural affairs. We then continue to Kuenga Rabten to learn about the traditional Bhutanese monarchy before returning to Trongsa for lunch. We will take time to explore the Trongsa fort to learn more about the history of the city before driving to Bumthang along the Yotong La pass.

Day 6Bumthang

Bhumthang is known as the heaven of hiking in Bhutan and spans from heights of 2,600 to 4,000 meters while offering several monasteries and holy pilgrimage sites. We will visit the Tamshing monastery to visit the local monks residing in the kingdoms oldest monastery before continuing to the Wangdi Chholing Palace famous for housing the cremations of every king. We will learn more about the spiritual influence of the region by visiting Janbay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, which portray many features of Buddhism in an accessible but traditional atmosphere. Finally, we will drive to Mebartso or “burning lake” known for its numerous prayer flags and temples serving as pilgrimage locations for spiritual travelers. We will return to explore the bustling streets of Bumthang before resting for the evening.

Day 7Bumthang to Gorsum

We continue to the starting location of our trek located below the Kurje Lhakhang temple. We then continue along the Chamkhar River passing along the tranquil lowlands as we gradually ascend towards Gorsum where we will make camp for the night

Day 8Lungsum to Tsochenchen

We will take a trip up the traditional Julila pass as we move from a dense agricultural area past the tree line to enter a desert like area. We continue and transverse the mountain along the Julila Pass located at 4,700 meters taking time to admire the panoramic Himalayan views below before continuing downhill to Tsochenchen to make camp under the crystal clear star filled sky.

Day 9Tsochenchen to Dur Tsachu

We will continue uphill to another pass situated at 3,400 meters offering excellent views of the region and several intimidating peaks on a clear day. We then continue to our campsite before taking time to admire the local wildlife including musk deer, blue sheep and Himalayan bears.

Day 10Dur Tsachu to Halt

We will continue along the trail before reaching the timeless hot springs to relax and rejuvenate our sore muscles. The hot springs offer an excellent way to relax in the heat while surrounded by mountain scenery and have been visited by travelers and locals alike for generations. We will then return and make camp before taking a short excursion hike to a scenic vantage point for the sunset.

Day 11Dur Tsachu to Tsochenchen

We will retrace our steps following the trail up from Dur Tsachu along the Julila trail. The trip back offers a difference experience as we return with opposing viewpoints and hike the region with an uphill perspective before making camp to rest for the evening and enjoy the scenery.

Day 12Tsochenchen to Gorosum

Day 13Gorsum to Bumthang

We continue downhill along the river before crossing the scenic bridge leading to Dur Village. We continue on a short route to a roadway where we will be transported to Bumthang to celebrate the completion of the trek. We will have a free evening to explore the culture and timeless architecture of Bumthang before taking a well-earned rest at the hotel

Day 14Bumthang to Wangdue

We continue to Gangtey Goemba, which is peacefully surrounded by pine trees and surrounded by small homes of devotees who worship at the monastery. We will continue to the Phobjikha Valley, which serves as a nesting site for the endangered black-necked crane. We will stop for a picnic in the scenic marsh filled valley before continuing to Wandue for the evening

Day 15Wangdue to Thimphu

We will drive to Punakha before visiting the monks passing through the Dzong in the capital city of Thimphu. After admiring the traditional fort, we will continue through the Dochula Pass before arriving back in Thumphu for a relaxing evening exploring the traditional street markets.

Day 16Thimphu tour and Paro

We will begin with a trip to the National Memorial Chorten honoring King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk for his dedication to Bhutan before exploring the Changangkha Temple and National Animal Sanctuary known for its scenic views of Thimphu. We then continue to the Spiritual Zilukha Nunnery and Dechenphodrang monistic school before lunch. We then continue to the National Library, School of Arts, traditional handicrafts center and the local goldsmiths while admiring the diverse craftsmanship of the Bhutanese people. We finish the day with a visit to the Tashi Chhodzong, which serves as the parliamentary capital known for its traditional architecture. We continue by driving to Paro for a farewell dinner and drinks at the hotel.

Day 17Departure

Depending on your flight time you may be able to see a few more attractions before departing approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight time. You will be escorted to the airport with a representative from Good Karma trekking staff. After our farewells, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure with Good Karma, as one time is never enough.

Trip Note

Travellers Reviews

From the moment we stepped outside Kathmandu airport we knew we were in good hands. Raj and his professional team had taken care of everything. Our trek to Everest Base Camp is one we will remember for a long time. From accomodation, to meals, guide and porters. Everything went smoothly. Even the tricky weather in Lukla didn't hold us up too much. The tour of Kathmandu was great and we especially enjoyed the opening dinner that Raj planned for us.

I highly recommend Good Karma Trekking.

We are planing to return to Nepal and trek the Annapurna Circuit. We will definitely book with Raj and Good Karma Trekking again.

Best travel agency, very helpful and friendly staff. They offer great possibilities for trekking, excursions, help take care of all permits. Great company, wonderful trip, friendship for life. I would recommend!

Booked my first trip to Nepal with Good Karma after some recommendations on Tripadvisor. From my first email I was impressed with the level of attention I received and how flexible they were (something I couldn't get with several other other companies I and contacted). Had a great trip including sightseeing in Kathmandu and trekking to Everest base camp, and everything went extremely smoothly (except for the weather). Just returned from my second trip there and already planning my third. Its an amazing country, and Raj and the Good Karma team made it a great experience. Happy to answer any questions people have.

Kind, attentive, honest, dedicated attention is awaiting on your travels with Good Karma. I went to the Everest Base Camp(14 days), Bhutan (4 days) and the Chitwan game preserve (3 days) with them and was very well treated at a great price.

I have traveled in many countries, but my experience in Nepal was special, thanks to Raj and his team who organized the exceptional way to all desired goals in this expedition which I had in Nepal and Tibet this autumn. I hope with all my heart to revisit again because I really miss Nepal. I started learning Hindi language since a few days.

So, Raj, Biji, I feel like I will visit you again! There are a lot of places that I have not seen yet! GOOD KARMA TREKKING is the best Agency for me!

Raj was knowledgeable and more than accommodating during our travels. We used Good Karma Trekking to book a trek to Annapurna, do white water rafting, and visit the elephants. It was one of the best trips I've had in my life and I've been to over 50 countries now. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who is traveling to Nepal and seeking a professional and friendly travel agency

BOOKING WITH KARMA: I booked a one-person tour to the Annapurna Circuit during the off season in August. During my inquiries with various trekking companies, Raj from Good Karma replied promptly and was always making sure that my needs were met before, during and after the trek. He was very flexible with whatever mode of transportation I desired to use even if it was just a couple of days in advance (including a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with two days notice) . THE TOUR: The tour itself was amazing. True, the Annapurna Circuit can be done with no guide. But Raj provide me with none other than a Sherpa guide would allowed for easy communication with locals and got the best rooms and meals in all the lodges. He also knew where the shortcuts are and made sure my safety was a priority (specially with altitude sickness). TRANSPORTATION : Always keep in mind that Nepal is not the most developed nation in terms of infrastructure and road systems. I highly recommend getting a private vehicle. The drivers that Raj provides are some of the best I've seen even though they drive like maniacs. I felt relatively safe compared to a tourist bus/local bus. These are worse and the safety standards are very low OVERALL: I highly recommend this tour company. Make sure you communicate with Raj constantly so he knows what your needs are.

Had an unforgettable experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Good Karma in 2012. Nabraj and his team are knowledgable, passionate and great hosts, and are genuine in providing the best experience possible. They went above and beyond to cater to our interests and provided outstanding hospitality. Nabraj has become a good friend since, we are regularly in touch and I look forward to joining Good Karma on a trek again soon!

I worked with Good Karma Trekking a few years ago when they organized a trip through Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for me and a group of almost 30 people. They were the best choice for our trip. The hotels they booked, the accommodation, the vehicles used for our transportation were all top class. Raj and his team really know their country (and the neighboring countries) and are able to custom made programs that suit each and every individual on a group, no matter the size. We particularly enjoyed the trips around Kathmandu valley, up to Nagarkot, down in the jungle in Chitwan and resting at the foot of Anapurna in Pokhara. Raj even organized some trips that were not in the initial schedule and which were greatly appreciated - for instance the visit to Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu.

I was also on the group that took a tour of Tibet with Good Karma Trekking. Everything went smooth, from crossing the border into China to altering the program so we could stay at a lower altitude when some of our colleagues felt sick.

For all of us on that trip Raj also became a good friend and we kept in touch ever since.

Whenever I hear someone thinking of visiting Nepal I always recommend Good Karma Trekking. I am also sure that next time myself and any other member of the group would want to go to the Himalayan region Good Karma Trekking would be our first choice.

I went on a one month trip to Nepal with Good Karma Trekking, and I must say it was really amazing! Well worth the time and the cost of traveling there! Part of what made my experience so wonderful was the guide that I had. His name is Raj Ghimire, and he is the sole proprietor of GOOD KARMA TREKKING LTD. He is a truly honest guy, with a very kind heart, and I believe that he would give you the BEST Nepal experience, no matter where in the country you want to travel. When my friends and I were over there, he treated us like family (no, I'm not exaggerating), and I still stay in touch with him. His rates are GREAT too! And if you need porters, tea house reservations, or a personal driver to show you Kathmandu or Chitwan Park, he did ALL of these arrangements for us.

This was literally the best experience I've had with a travel company anywhere in the world. They are efficient, culturally smart and very friendly. They even went out of their way to help with issues that were not necessarily part of our contract. I will definitely trust them to organize any trip for me in the future.

Good Karma organized everything for my trip including city tours, travel, hotels and trekking. They were very professional and helpful creating a trip that included what i wanted to see and not just the standard itinerary. The owner Raj even helped bargain for lower prices on souvenirs and trekking equipment while i was in Kathmandu. He also showed me some of his favorite restaurants and some of the local specialties and offered me some wild honey from his home town. The trek went great and the guide was very knowledgeable about the trails and flora and fauna of the himalayas. I have done a trip with abovethehimalays before and the service and price of Good Karma was much better. I would suggest this company to anyone looking for an authentic experience.

We had a great experience with Good Karma Trekking in Kathmandu, Nepal. Raj, the owner of the company, was very helpful. He has an excellent knowledge about the Kathmandu area, and generally about Nepal. He is more than a usual travel agency, passionate about his work, and about promoting the Nepal sights. I am sure that we will use his services again when we return to Nepal, hopefully soon.

I met Raj in Kathmandu through a mutual friend and I've been amazed by his hospitality and generosity. They gave me all the informations I needed about the transportation, treks and more! Thank you for your kindness and your support and I really hope to meet you again! Cheers

I used Good Karma Trekking for a first trip to Nepal in Nov 2011 and from the moment of contact the trip went very smoothly. I would highly recommend this company and would be happy to be contacted independently to provide a review.